Quick answer: Karthika Masam 2026 runs from 10 November to 8 December 2026. The busiest and most auspicious days at Srisailam will be the Karthika Somavarams on 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December and Karthika Pournami on Tuesday 24 November. Because 2026 has an extra lunar month, Karthika falls about three weeks later than last year, so pilgrims who planned around November dates should re-check their bookings.

Nestled in the Nallamala Hills of Andhra Pradesh above the Krishna River, Srisailam is one of the most sacred Shiva shrines in India. Every Karthika Masam, lakhs of devotees climb the hills to seek the blessings of Lord Mallikarjuna Swamy and Goddess Bhramaramba Devi. For NRI families visiting India in November and December, it is one of the most rewarding pilgrimages of the season.

Karthika Masam 2026 dates for Srisailam pilgrims

Date (2026)Occasion
Tue 10 NovKarthika Masam begins
Mon 16 NovFirst Karthika Somavaram
Fri 20 NovDevuthani (Prabodhini) Ekadashi
Mon 23 NovSecond Karthika Somavaram
Tue 24 NovKarthika Pournami
Mon 30 NovThird Karthika Somavaram
Mon 7 DecFourth Karthika Somavaram
Tue 8 DecKarthika Amavasya, end of the month

For the full month calendar see our Karthika Masam 2026 guide.

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The divine significance of Srisailam

A Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha

Srisailam is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, the places where Lord Shiva is believed to have manifested as an endless column of light. The presiding deity, Mallikarjuna Swamy, is worshipped together with Goddess Bhramaramba, whose shrine is revered as one of the Shakti Peethas. This rare union of a Jyotirlinga and a Shakti Peetha in one temple complex is why devotees often call Srisailam the "Kashi of the South" (Dakshina Kashi).

The legend: why Mallikarjuna came to Srisailam

The best-loved legend concerns Shiva and Parvati's sons, Ganesha and Kartikeya (Subramanya). Both wished to marry first, so their parents declared that whoever circled the universe first would win. Kartikeya set off at once on his peacock. Ganesha simply walked around his parents, explaining that for him they were the whole universe.

Delighted by his wisdom, Shiva and Parvati arranged Ganesha's marriage to Siddhi and Buddhi. When Kartikeya returned and learned what had happened, he was deeply hurt. He left Kailasa and went to live on the Krauncha mountain, refusing every plea to return. When his parents came to see him, he moved away again.

Heartbroken, Shiva and Parvati settled on a nearby hill so they could stay close to their son. There they took up residence as Mallikarjuna, the Lord who shines like jasmine (mallika), and Bhramaramba, the Goddess surrounded by bees. This is why Srisailam is also called Mallika Parvatam, and why devotees see in it the eternal love of parents for their child. Versions of the story differ in where they place the Krauncha mountain, but all agree on its heart.

Why Karthika Masam is special at Srisailam

  • The Kartikeya connection:
  • the month bears the name of Kartikeya, the son whose story brought Shiva and Parvati to Srisailam
  • The holiest month for Shiva:
  • abhishekam, fasting and lamp lighting in Karthika are believed to bring the greatest merit
  • Deepa daanam:
  • offering lamps through the month dispels darkness and ignorance; the temple glows with devotees' lamps every evening
  • Holy bath in the Krishna:
  • a dip at Patalaganga, especially on Karthika Pournami, is considered deeply purifying

Read more about Monday observances in our Karthika Somavaram 2026 guide and about the full-moon festival in our Karthika Pournami 2026 guide.

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Practices during Karthika Masam

  • Abhishekam to Lord Mallikarjuna with water, milk and bilva leaves
  • Lighting lamps with ghee or sesame oil in the temple and on the riverbank
  • Rudrabhishekam and other special sevas
  • Pradosha vratam on the thirteenth day of each lunar fortnight
  • Fasting and worship on Karthika Mondays
  • Karthika Pournami deepotsavam and holy bath on 24 November
  • Early morning darshan in the Brahma Muhurta

Special pujas commonly offered

  • Rudrabhishekam and Laghu Rudrabhishekam
  • Panchamruta Abhishekam
  • Sahasranama Archana
  • Ekadasha Rudra Abhishekam

Availability, timings and ticket arrangements for sevas and darshan change during Karthika Masam, especially on Mondays and Pournami. Check the official Srisaila Devasthanam announcements and book through the temple's official channels before you travel.

The temple and its surroundings

The Srisailam temple complex is a fine example of Dravidian architecture, with towering gopurams, high fortified walls and pillared mandapams covered in carvings. Inside are the garbhagriha housing the Jyotirlinga and the adjacent shrine of Goddess Bhramaramba.

Below the hill, the Krishna River forms the sacred Patalaganga. Devotees descend a long stairway of several hundred steps for a holy dip; a ropeway is also available for those who find the climb difficult. Boat rides on the river give beautiful views of the hills.

Other sacred sites nearby

  • Sakshi Ganapati Temple, where Ganesha is said to record every pilgrim's visit
  • Sikhareswara Temple, the highest point of the hill
  • Akka Mahadevi Caves, linked with the twelfth-century Kannada saint-poet
  • Hemareddy Mallamma Temple
  • Srisaila Devasthanam Museum

How to reach Srisailam

  • By air:
  • the nearest airports are Hyderabad and Vijayawada, each roughly 210 km away by road
  • By rail:
  • the nearest railway station is Markapur Road, around 85 km away; Kurnool and Hyderabad have better connections
  • By road:
  • regular buses run from Hyderabad, Vijayawada, Kurnool and other cities; the ghat road passes through the Nallamala forest, which has night-time restrictions, so plan to travel in daylight

Tips for pilgrims and NRI visitors

  • Book accommodation well in advance; Karthika is the busiest season of the year
  • Carry valid photo ID for every member of the group (passport or OCI card for NRIs)
  • Dress traditionally and modestly; check the temple's current dress code before you go
  • Start early for darshan to avoid the longest queues, especially on Mondays and Pournami
  • Stay hydrated and carry light snacks for the queue
  • Allow two or three days to see the temple, Patalaganga and the nearby shrines without rushing
  • Visit Patalaganga early in the morning for a peaceful experience
  • If you are flying in for Karthika Pournami (Tuesday 24 November), build in a buffer day in case of road delays

The spiritual essence of Srisailam

A visit to Srisailam in Karthika Masam is more than travel; it is a journey into a story of divine love. Shiva and Parvati chose this hill to stay near a hurt child, and devotees find in that a reminder that the divine never stops reaching out to us. Standing before Mallikarjuna and Bhramaramba as the lamps of Karthika glow around the temple, pilgrims receive the combined blessings of Shiva and Shakti.

Har Har Mahadev! Om Namah Shivaya!

Frequently asked questions

When is Karthika Masam 2026?

Karthika Masam 2026 (Telugu amanta calendar) runs from 10 November to 8 December. The Karthika Mondays are 16, 23 and 30 November and 7 December, and Karthika Pournami is Tuesday 24 November.

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Where is Srisailam?

Srisailam is in the Nallamala Hills of Nandyal district, Andhra Pradesh, above the Krishna River. It is roughly 210 km by road from both Hyderabad and Vijayawada.

Who are the presiding deities of Srisailam?

Lord Shiva as Mallikarjuna Swamy, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, and Goddess Parvati as Bhramaramba Devi, revered as one of the Shakti Peethas.

What are the darshan timings at Srisailam in Karthika Masam?

Timings and special darshan arrangements change during Karthika Masam, especially on Mondays and Karthika Pournami. Check the official Srisaila Devasthanam announcements shortly before your visit.

What is the best day to visit Srisailam in Karthika Masam?

Karthika Mondays and Karthika Pournami are the most auspicious but also the most crowded. If you want a calmer darshan, choose a weekday that is not a Monday and arrive early in the morning.

Editor's note (4 October 2026)

This guide has been fully revised for 2026, with Karthika Masam dates from Drik Panchang. We have removed the previous edition's daily ritual timings, which change during the festival season; please confirm darshan and seva times with Srisaila Devasthanam before travelling.